MCT

Remote access scams !! BEWARE How this scam works The scammer will phone you and pretend to be a staff member from a large telecommunications or computer company, such as Telstra, the NBN or Microsoft. Alternatively they may claim to be from a technical support service provider.... They will tell you that your computer has been sending error messages or that it has a virus. They may mention problems with your internet connection or your phone line and say this has affected your computer's recent performance. They may claim that your broadband connection has been hacked. The caller will request remote access to your computer to ‘find out what the problem is’. The scammer may try to talk you into buying unnecessary software or a service to ‘fix’ the computer, or they may ask you for your personal details and your bank or credit card details. The scammer may initially sound professional and knowledgeablehowever they will be very persistent and may become abusive if you don't do what they ask. You don't have to be a Telstra or Microsoft customer to be called by these scammers. You don’t even have to own a computer! Warning signs You receive a phone call out of the blue and the caller claims to be from a large telecommunications or computer company, or a technical support service provider. They tell you that your computer is experiencing technical problems and they need remote access to sort out the problem. They ask you to buy software or sign up to a service to fix the computer. They ask for your personal details and your bank or credit card details. The caller is very persistent and may become abusive. Protect yourself Never give an unsolicited caller remote access to your computer. Never give your personal, credit card or online account details over the phone unless you made the call and the phone number came from a trusted source. If you receive a phone call out of the blue about your computer and remote access is requested hang up even if they mention a well-known company such as Telstra. Telstra does not request credit card details over the phone to fix computer or telephone problems, and is not affiliated with any companies that do. See: Is it really Telstra contacting you? Remember that you can still receive scam calls even if you have a private number or have listed your number on the Australian Government's Do Not Call Register. Scammers can obtain your number fraudulently. Make sure your computer is protected with regularly updated anti-virus and anti-spyware software, and a good firewall. Research first and only purchase software from a source that you know and trust. If you have fallen victim to a scam or you receive a lot of unsolicited emails and phone calls consider changing your email address and phone numbers.

What to Do If You Think There’s a Problem With Your Computer. If you think there may be a problem with your computer, update your computer’s security software and run a scan. If you need help fixing a problem, go to someone you know and trust. Many software companies offer support online or by phone. Stores that sell computer equipment also offer technical support in person. What to Do If You Were Scammed... If you paid a tech support scammer with a credit or debit card, you may be able to stop the transaction. Contact your credit card company or bank right away. Tell them what happened and ask if they can reverse the charges. If you paid a tech support scammer with a gift card, contact the company that issued the card right away. Tell them you paid a scammer with the gift card and ask if they can refund your money. If you gave a scammer remote access to your computer, update your computer’s security software. Then run a scan and delete anything it identifies as a problem. If you gave your user name and password to a tech support scammer, change your password right away. If you use the same password for other accounts or sites, change it there, too. Create a new password that is strong. Avoid Tech Support Refund Scams If someone calls to offer you a refund for tech support services you paid for, it’s likely a fake refund scam. How does the scam work? The caller will ask if you were happy with the services you got. If you say, No, they’ll offer you a refund. In another variation, the caller says the company is giving out refunds because it’s going out of business. No matter their story, they’re not giving refunds. They’re trying to steal more of your money. Don’t give them your bank account, credit card or other payment information.

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